Reef’d – performing at 1:30pm at Volksplatz
It seems there’s quite a bunch of reggae bands this year, but Reef’d stands out from the rest with its hard-rocking and sometimes techno backing.
The Gantry – performing at 5pm at Lyrikplatz (inside the Artsquest Center theatre)
This NYC rock crew has elements of the Gaslight Anthem with punk roots. They’re one of our favorite acts we’ve come across in the Musikfest line-up so far, and they’re early in the day so make sure to get down and see them.
Clockwork – performing at 5pm and 7pm at Main Street
This St. Louis rock four-piece debuted a new album at the beginning of the year with sounds ranging from softer acoustic jams to heavier riffs that sound impressive over the few tracks we checked out from them.
Black Masala – performing at 7pm at Volksplatz
Based out of Washington D.C., this huge brass band, who counts a member of previous Fest favorite Yellow Dubmarine among their members, has a huge sound that will have Volksplatz on their feet tonight. In a Washington Post profile, the band said, “People dance so hard they’ve fallen into our drum sets.” Check out their single “Knockin'” below, which features great vocals from singer Kristen Long.
Trouble City All Stars – performing at 6:30pm at Plaza Tropical
Yes, another reggae band, but these guys are a local Bethlehem outfit who have been playing around the area for years and are always a great time. Drummer/vocalist Todd Juknevic was having some voice issues when we saw them at the Wooden Match the other day, so they might have singer Danielle Keitha Schmidt filling in for some songs.
Igor and the Red Elvises – performing at 9pm at Volksplatz
If you’ve somehow been to Musikfest and never heard of the Red Elvises, we’ll educate you. They’re Russian surf rockers who are sometimes a little dirty and always insanely lively on stage. If you’ve already seen them before, then you already know you should be hitting this show.